Manchester suicide bomber's brother denies murder of 22 people
THE brother of Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi has denied the murder of 22 people.
Hashem Abedi, 22, appeared at Westminster magistrates court yesterday after being extradited from Libya on Wednesday. He allegedly helped make the explosive device that killed 22 people as they left an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two years ago. His lawyer Zafar Ali, QC, claimed Abedi, who grew up in the city, had been in solitary confinement since his arrest in Libya on May 23, 2017 - the day after the attack. He also said his client had been tortured and forced to sign a 40-page confession under duress.
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Abedi has also been charged with attempted murder and that he conspired with his brother to cause an explosion to endanger life. Mr Ali said his client denied all the charges but no plea was entered during the hearing.
Prosecutor Kathryn Selby claimed Abedi was involved in the purchase of chemicals used to make the bomb.
It is also alleged that Abedi, who fled to Libya in the days before the bombing, made the detonator tubes.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a bail hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Monday. A preliminary hearing will also be held at the Old Bailey on July 30.